Kidney Health Australia - Media Releases

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Australians are being warned not to play down or ignore medical emergencies or existing conditions during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) is concerned some people are overlooking their existing chronic conditions and even failing to call triple zero (000) for an ambulance in an immediate life-threatening emergency. This delay could put them or their loved ones at risk of disastrous consequences, lengthier hospital stays and even death.

ACDPA Chair Sharon McGowan said it was vital people sought urgent medical help when it was needed. Download Media Release.

12 March 2020: A new Action Plan to tackle kidney disease

The Morrison Government has launched the National Strategic Action Plan for Kidney Disease and awarded $3.5 million in funding to organisations to take immediate action. 1.7 million Australian adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, however less than 10 per cent are aware they have the condition.

Developed by Kidney Health Australia, the plan provides a blueprint for transforming kidney disease in Australia over the next 10 years. Download Media Release.

Kidney Health Australia has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, on the inclusion of a kidney disease drug on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) which helps to treat hormone and calcium disturbance in kidney disease patients receiving dialysis.

Cinacalcet is produced by Pharmacor and treats a condition called “secondary hyperparathyroidism” which is a common problem in kidney disease patients. Kidney failure causes the parathyroid glands to become overactive and secrete too much parathyroid hormone, which regulates the amount of calcium in our bodies. Too much of this hormone can wreak havoc on bones and bloods vessels leading to fractures, pain and vascular disease. Download Media Release

26 November 2019: Give a double dose of Kidney Kindness on Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, 3 December, Kidney Health Australia is urging the community to give Kidney Kindness so their donation can be doubled to help reach $100k and provide vital support to families devastated by kidney disease.

Mr Forbes said Giving Tuesday was a global generosity movement uniting individuals and communities to go all out on one day to fundraise for organisations that need their support.“We’re asking the Australian community to dig deep as their donations will be doubled until we hit our target of $100k, thanks to our generous matched funders,” Mr Forbes said. Download Media Release

15 August 2019: Broome’s Yarning Kidneys community consultation

Kidney Health Australia is working with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services and Kimberley Renal Services to conduct the Broome’s Yarning Kidneys community session, which is the third consultation that is taking place in Western Australia.

13 August 2019: Thousands of Aussies to step out to fight kidney disease

Thousands of Aussies around the country will be stepping out in red for the annual Big Red Kidney Walk to fight kidney disease on Sunday 8 September.

Now in its 8th year, the Big Red Kidney Walk is Kidney Health Australia’s annual event to bring the community together to raise awareness and funds to fight kidney disease and show support for loved ones who are bravely living with the debilitating impacts of the disease.

According to Kidney Health Australia, 1.7 million Australians are affected by kidney disease but 1.5 million of those are unaware they’re living with the disease.

“The shocking fact about kidney disease is that a person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before any symptoms are apparent,” says Chris Forbes, CEO, Kidney Health Australia. Download Media Release.

22 July 2019: The Kidney Kar Rally - revving up to raise funds for kids living with kidney disease

The countdown has started for 42 rally cars to line up on Friday 9 August in Port Macquarie and start a challenging back roads route to Rockhampton and back to Armidale, all to raise vital funds to help kids living with kidney disease.

With Supercars Championship driver, Chaz Mostert in the starting line up at Port Macquarie, it’s sure to inject a new level of interest into the Rally for day one.

‘Rally driving’s a new experience for me so I’m excited to be kicking the Rally off and seeing how the experienced rally drivers do it, but I’m going to do my best to give them a run for their money” says Chaz, who’s supporting the event thanks to Biante Model Cars. Download Media Release.

On 1 July, Fremantle resident Glenis Lucanus will celebrate a special anniversary with her family, having lived with the same donated kidney for the past 50 years.

Glenis has the longest surviving donated kidney in Western Australia and the third oldest donated kidney in Australia, according to the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplantation Authority (ANZDATA).

Kidney Health Australia Chief Executive, Chris Forbes, said Glenis’s story gave hope to chronic kidney disease patients eligible for a transplant that the procedure could help them live well and for longer. Download Media Release.

24 May 2019: Kids living with kidney disease get a cricket lesson from the best

Children living with kidney disease have a special treat in store at their annual Kidney Kids Camp, with former Australian cricketer and Kidney Health Ambassador, David Hussey, and Cricket Victoria running a special cricket workshop to boost their enjoyment at camp and raise awareness to others about kidney disease.

On Thursday, 30 May, 113 children aged from 8-17, including siblings, will be descending on Lord Somers Camp on the Mornington Peninsula for four fun-filled days of team-based activity, kicking off with a special session with David Hussey, who has just been appointed Coach of the Melbourne Stars and has seen up close the life-changing impacts of kidney disease. Download Media Release.

23 May 2019: Chaz Mostert rally’s to support kids living with kidney disease

Kidney Health Australia are thrilled to announce that Supercars Championship driver, Chaz Mostert, will be getting behind the wheel to join this year’s Kidney Kar Rally, which has over 35 cars taking part in a fun but gruelling route along the New South Wales coastline in August.

‘I am stoked to be involved in the Kidney Kar Rally, it’s going to be great to flick up some dust on the dirt tracks and support their cause at the same time! The Rally will raise money for kids living with kidney disease, and I’m honoured to be a part of the event’ says Chaz.

With 27 year old Chaz’s spirited personality taking on the challenge, it is certain he will inject enthusiasm and help fuel the fun filled seven day rally.

Kidney Health Australia has welcomed new research The CREDENCE trial presented by The George Institute of Global Health, which shows a new treatment drug could reduce kidney failure in patients suffering from diabetic kidney disease.

Kidney Health Australia has today welcomed the announcement by Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, to invest $3.7 million in support of kidney disease – the silent killer affecting more than 1.7 million Australians.

“This week is Kidney Health Week, and so the timing is perfect as we raise awareness of this insidious disease”, said Chris Forbes, CEO of Kidney Health Australia. More Australians die with kidney-related disease each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer and road accidents combined, yet awareness of this silent killer remains low, according to Australia’s leading kidney health organisation. Download media release.

8 April 2019: Silent killer: 90% of kidney function lost without any symptoms

More Australians die with kidney-related disease each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer and road accidents combined, yet awareness of this silent killer remains low, according to Australia’s leading kidney health organisation.

For Kidney Health Week (8-14 April 2019) Kidney Health Australia is urging everyone to take a simple online Kidney Risk Test to see if they are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes, explained that kidney-related illness is estimated to cost the Australian economy $4.1 billion a year yet, if caught early, the disease can be slowed. The Kidney Risk Test, which helps people to understand their risk factors, could help prevent this devastating and costly toll.

“While there has been enormous progress there are still 1.7 million people living in Australia affected by kidney disease, yet 1.5 million are not aware of it,” says Mr Forbes.Download Media Release.

8 April 2019: Indigenous Australians four times more likely to die of kidney disease

One in five Indigenous Australians are likely to have indicators of chronic kidney disease and are four times more likely to die with it, yet the vast majority do not know they are at increased risk, according to Australia’s leading kidney health organisation.

For Kidney Health Week (8-14 April 2019) Kidney Health Australia is asking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to visit their local Aboriginal Medical Centre to complete simple tests - blood, urine and blood pressure - to see if they are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes, explained that while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represent less than 2.5 per cent of the national population, they account for approximately eleven per cent of people commencing kidney replacement therapy each year and the incidence of end-stage kidney disease for Indigenous peoples in remote areas of Australia is 18 to 20 times higher than that of comparable non-Indigenous peoples. Download Media Release.

The Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance welcomes support by the Australian Government and the federal Opposition for a Medicare item to prevent and manage vascular disease - heart, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Funding for an integrated health check has also been backed by the Australian Greens.

Alliance members, including the National Heart Foundation, Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Australia, Kidney Health Australia and Cancer Council Australia, have long championed integrated health checks to stem the tide of Australia’s chronic disease burden.

Chair of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance Sharon McGowan said investment in comprehensive health checks would encourage people to consider their health before a crisis.

“Chronic diseases affect half of the Australian population and are the leading cause of death in Australia,” said Ms McGowan. Download Media Release.

1 February 2019: New data highlights social inequalities in chronic disease

New data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that the gap between the lowest and highest socioeconomic groups continues to widen for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Rates of heart attack and stroke increased with socioeconomic disadvantage, as did the number of people living with diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Chair of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance Sharon McGowan said that the data revealed stark inequities in health status amongst Australians.

“While there have been some improvements in recent years, these are not reflected across the board. Lower levels of income, education, housing and socioeconomic area are all aligned with poorer health,” said Ms McGowan. Download Media Release.

7 June 2017: Kidney Health Australia welcomes Medicare Taskforce’s recommendation for greater funding and support for young adults with chronic kidney disease

Kidney Health Australia welcomes a recommendation from the Medicare Benefits Review Taskforce, announced today, to look at ways to better coordinate support one of the most vulnerable demographics living with chronic kidney disease in Australia.

Kidney Health Australia’s CEO, Mikaela Stafrace, is pleased the Taskforce has called for investigation from an inter-governmental body to resolve the issue of poor outcomes for young adults with chronic kidney disease.Download Media Release.

Kidney Health Australia welcomes the recommendations contained in the Medicare Benefit Schedule Review. Of particular significance is the recommendation to provide an MBS item to support ‘on country’ dialysis for Australians living with kidney disease in remote areas.

Kidney Health Australia CEO Mikaela Stafrace congratulated Professor Alan Cass, the Chair of the Renal Clinical Committee and his team for the recommendations that focus on ensuring access to quality care on country. Download Media Release.

Australia applauds the Federal Government’s announcement that it will continue the Supporting Leave for Living Organ Donors Program for another four years.

The $4.1 million dollar budget injection extension of the program will also see out-of-pocketexpenses covered.

Kidney Health Australia CEO Mikaela Stafrace said, “Living donors give the ultimate gift by donating a kidney to save someone’s life, so it is important they are supported to take time off of work for the surgery.” Download Media Release.

The report documents skyrocketing obesity rates across Australian Primary Health Networks andhighlights the link to above-average chronic kidney disease rates in many of these areas. Download Media Release.

Kidney Health Australia CEO Mikaela Stafrace has welcomed the appointment of the Hon. Greg Hunt MP as the new Federal Health Minister.

Ms Stafrace says the appointment comes at a critical juncture in the fight against the growing burden of chronic kidney disease in the community. In 2014-15 kidney disease was the most common single reason for admission to hospital out of a total of 10 million hospital admissions. Download media release.

2016

8 June 2016: Kidney Health Australia Welcomes Announcement to Close the GapKidney Health Australia warmly welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Greens for $10 million in funding to address chronic kidney disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The announcement was made as part of a broader ‘Closing the Gap’ health policy, and it addresses many of the key issues Kidney Health Australia has been calling for national leadership on during the campaign. Download.

26 May 2016: Kidney Health Australia Welcomes Announcement of NSW Big Red Kidney BusThousands of Australians living on dialysis will soon be able to take a holiday in New South Wales, without missing life-saving treatments.

New South Wales Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, this morning announced the government’ssupport of a partnership between national health care charity Kidney Health Australia and NSWHealth to deliver a Big Red Kidney Bus program across the state.

The announcement coincides with Kidney Health Week (May 22-28) and secures the future ofholiday dialysis in New South Wales. Download.

25 May 2016: Kidney Health Australia Welcomes National Indigenous TaskforceKidney Health Australia warmly welcomes today’s announcement by the Australian Labor Party indicating that if elected, it will convene a National Taskforce on kidney disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The announcement comes during Kidney Health Week 2016.

Kidney Health Australia has called for a National Taskforce to tackle the devastating rates of kidney disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since launching its ‘Kidney Health for All’ report in 2015. Download.

23 May 2016: New Report Reveals Australia’s Kidney Disease Hot SpotsKidney Health Australia’s annual ‘State of the Nation’ report, released today, has revealed the top 20 kidney disease hot spots around the country.

The 2016 ‘State of the Nation: Chronic Kidney Disease Hot Spots’ report, which has been released to coincide with Kidney Health Week, 22 – 28 May, has also highlighted:

Kidney disease is costing Australia over four billion dollars annually.

The ‘spiraling’ number of Australians on kidney dialysis, or living with a kidney transplant.

That kidney dialysis is the most common reason for admission to hospital with over 1.3 million admissions in 2014/15.

Indigenous Australians are still at far greater risk of developing kidney disease than nonindigenous Australians. Download.

23 May 2016: Kidney Health Week 2016This year Kidney Health Australia is asking all Australians to join the growing number of peopleacross the country who ‘kidney check’. ‘I Kidney Check’ is the theme for this year’s Kidney Health Week, which will be held from May 22 to May 28. Download.

23 May 2016: New report highlights billion-dollar burden of kidney disease treatmentsA new report released today by Kidney Health Australia reveals the spiraling and costly number of Australians with signs of chronic kidney disease. The ‘State of the Nation: Chronic Kidney Disease Hot Spots’ report identifies 20 areas in Australia where the burden of chronic kidney disease is high. Download.

19 May 2016: Phil Davis of Greater Western Sydney Kicks off Kidney Health Week Joining as an AmbassadorKidney Health Australia will run the annual Kidney Health Week and what better way to launch thanwith the announcement of a new team member. Phil Davis, Co-Captain of the Greater WesternSydney Giants will join the charity as an Ambassador. Download.

19 May 2016: Kidney Health Australia CEO Announces ResignationMs. Anne Wilson, the long-serving Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia, today announced that she will be stepping down after over 13 years at the helm.

Ms Wilson joined Kidney Health Australia as CEO in January 2003, and was appointed ManagingDirector of the Board in 2009. During her time with Kidney Health Australia, Ms Wilson hasspearheaded and overseen the most significant changes in the organisation’s 48-year history,including successfully transitioning the former Australian Kidney Foundation from a confederation of state bodies to one national organisation. Download.

5 April 2016: Home away from Home for SA Kidney Transplant PatientsKidney Health Australia today announced its newest addition to its expanding network of Kidney Transplant Houses.

Anne Wilson Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer explained that the Kent Town Adelaide facility will join the existing Melbourne and Perth facilities providing eligible rural and regional kidney patients with secure, quality accommodation where they can rest and recover from transplant surgery or undergo dialysis training and education at no cost.

There are currently 1,083 Australians on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant and in 2014 over 85 kidney transplant operations were performed in South Australia alone. Download.

10 March 2016: World Kidney Day national media - Education campaign on drink water insteadKidney Disease and Children - Better Knowledge Better Care.Billy the Kidney, the big red cuddly ambassador for Kidney Health Australia is spearheading a national education and awareness campaign.

The resources supporting this campaign are suitable for children aged from five to sixteen with a range of activities, from colouring and drawing to engage five to eight year olds, to teaching resources and activities that expose the risks of sugar in drinks and foods for older students. Any child drinking a 600ml bottle of soft drink consumes sixteen teaspoons of sugar. As a regular behaviour, this raises major health concerns and exposures to health problems including high risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Download.

9 March 2016: A joint Communique for World Kidney Day on 10 March 2016.Kidney Disease and Children - Better Knowledge Better Care.In a joint national communique for 2016 World Kidney Day, Chairman of the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Nephrology Association Dr Joshua Kausman and Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia Anne Wilson said there is a need to improve kidney health knowledge, patient care and also to reduce risk factors. The education campaign highlights to both children and parents the importance of choosing water over sugar laden drinks, healthy food and physical activity daily. Download.

10 March 2016: World Kidney Day Victorian - Healthy lifestyle fcus for students .The students of Albert Park Primary School in Melbourne today will have a special visitor - “Billy the Kidney” - as part of World Kidney Day activities when Kidney Health Australia will be teaching students about the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle in childhood. Download.

9 March 2016: World Kidney Day Western Australia - Healthy lifestyle focus for students on World Kidney Day.The Halls Head Primary School in Western Australia will be the focus of World Kidney Day today when WA Health Minister Kim Hames and Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia Anne Wilson join students for learning about the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle in childhood. Download.

8 March 2016: World Kidney Day Northern Territory -Health Minister joins students for healthy lifestyle learning to help prevent kidney disease.St Mary’s Catholic Primary school in Darwin will be the focus of World Kidney Day education at 12 noon on Wednesday 9 March 2016 with a visit to the classroom from Health Minister Hon John Wessel Elferink, to talk with students about the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle in childhood. Download.

7 March 2016: World Kidney Day South Australia - Health Minister meets young patients with kidney disease World Kidney Day. Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide will be the focus of World Kidney Day at 8.30am on Tuesday 8 March 2016 with a visit from Health Minister Hon Jack Snelling to talk with children and their families about their experiences with kidney disease and the importance of World Kidney Day.Download.

1 March 2016: World Kidney Day - Schools Activity CampaignKidney Disease and Children. Better Knowledge. Better Care.This year's campaign highlights to both children and parents the importance of choosing water over sugary drinks, healthy food and physical activity daily. Teachers across Australia will be raising awareness about the importance of developing healthy lifestyles in childhood for taking into later life and preventing risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Download.

28 January 2016: Operation 2590 targets early detection of Silent Killer.This year over 20,000 Australians will die with kidney related disease. One Australian is dying every 25 minutes with kidney related disease which has become known as the Silent Killer. People can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms. Kidney Health Australia has therefore launched OPERATION 2590. Download.

28 January 2016: One Australian dying with kidney-related disease every 25 minutes.Early detection and prevention of kidney disease needs to become one of the national ‘Big Ideas’ of 2016, according to Kidney Health Australia.

Anne Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia (KHA) said, “One Australian is dying with a kidney related disease every twenty five minutes. Kidney Health Australia is urging awareness of the fact that you can lose up to 90% of kidney function before experiencing any symptoms, which is why kidney disease is known as the Silent Killer, Ms Wilson said. Download.

13 January 2016: Big Red Kidney Bus breaks down barrier to holiday for patients.The joint project by Monash Health, Kidney Health Australia and Latrobe Bus Lines, is a first of its kind and allows the Big Red Kidney Bus to act as a travelling dialysis service that visits various holiday destinations around the State. Download.

2015

21 December 2015: USA 'Dancing with the Stars’ choreographer and professional dancer, Sharna Burgess shines a light on kidney disease.Sharna Burgess has been appointed a global ambassador for Kidney Health Australia, it wasannounced today. Download.

16 December 2015: New report confirms dialysis patient transport woes.The ‘Challenges in methods and availability of transport for dialysis patients’ report, new research conducted by Kidney Health Australia published in the current issue of Renal Society of Australasia (RSA) Journal, highlights that patients living with kidney disease often suffer from inadequate transport support. Download.

18 November 2015: Kidney community mourns Jonah Lomu.Australia’s peak kidney health organisation, Kidney Health Australia, has paid tribute to New Zealand rugby union legend, Jonah Lomu, following his sudden passing last night at the age of 40. Download.

6 November 2015: Kidney Health Australia launches new website.National health care charity, Kidney Health Australia, has today launched its eagerly anticipated new website boasting a range of new features, rebranded design, and educational resources packaged in a clear, concise, and engaging format. CEO and Managing Director of Kidney Health Australia, Anne Wilson, is thrilled with the new kidney.org.au website and said it will help to increase awareness about the full range of kidney health conditions and organ donation issues, as well as raising vital funds. Download.

8 September 2015: Kidney Specialists Honoured at Parliament House.Two of Australia’s leading and researchers received the award in recognition of their outstanding achievements in patient care, and contribution to research into the treatment of kidney disease. Presented at the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology Annual Scientific Meeting Conference dinner at Parliament House, medals were presented to Professor John Agar OAM and Associate Professor Tim Mathew AM, who have dedicated their careers to the care and treatment of people with kidney disease while advocating for changes that positively impact the lives of affected patients and families. Download.31 July 2015: Funding boost for renal in Central Australia welcomed.Kidney Health Australia welcomes the announcements by Federal Assistant Minister Fiona Nash and Northern Territory Housing Minister Bess Price which significantly increases funding for Central Australia’s renal infrastructure and services to the tune of $25.3 million over 3 years. Download.

25 July 2015: Kidney Health Australia pays tribute to founder Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith CBKidney Health Australia has paid tribute to its founding member Emeritus Professor Priscilla Kincaid?Smith, who passed away earlier this month, aged 88. Kincaid?Smith was a pioneer in the field of renal medicine and one of Australia’s foremost kidney specialists. Download.

28 May 2015: Kidney Health Australia's State of the Nation 2015 - Chronic kidney disease in Australia.A new report paints a striking picture of Australia’s kidney health, highlighting kidney disease as a silent killer which goes largely undiagnosed, and often works in partnership with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The report highlights two confronting facts: less than 10% of Australians with chronic kidney disease (CKD) realise they have it; and 51% of people with CKD also have cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The report highlights that 6 out of 10 people with CKD have hypertension, but sadly 96% of Australian adults are unaware of the link between high blood pressure and kidney disease. Download.26 May 2015: Reps’ inquiry must translate to real change if health system to remain sustainable.Australia’s health system will be more sustainable if a new government inquiry into chronic disease prevention translates into best practice, the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance (ACDPA) said today. ACDPA Chair, Dr Erin Lalor, said the alliance welcomed the House of Representatives inquiry into chronic disease prevention and management in primary care, provided its recommendations were evidence-based and adopted by government. Download.

13 May 2015: Improved support for living donors welcomed.Kidney Health Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to continue to fund the Supporting Leave for Living Organ Donors Program for a further two years, and congratulates the Government on its decision to extend the leave period from six to nine weeks. Download.29 March 2015: Key announcements made to tackle kidney issues.Kidney Health Australia is celebrating to significant announcements made last week – the same week that Australia used World Kidney Day to focus on the critical issue of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kidney Health. The announcements indicate both an ongoing commitment to support for living donors, and an increased focus on funding critical research. Download.26 March 2015: Kidney disease is a silent killer of Indigenous Australians.Kidney disease impacts regardless of locality and people often have few symptoms until they need to have dialysis. At a Parliament House event this morning to mark World Kidney Day, Kidney Health Australia was joined by the Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology (ANZSN), to highlight the critical impact of chronic kidney disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Download.10 February 2015: Kidney Health Australia welcomes today’s latest statistics from the Australian Government highlighting 2014 as a milestone year for living organ donations.Last year 1,117 Australians received an organ transplant due to the generosity of 378 deceased donors and their families. Overall, there was a 3% drop in the number of deceased organ donors in 2013 to 2014, whilst living kidney donors increased in the same timeframe. Download.